Has anyone heard about this? It's the day after black Friday, an effort to encourage people (who haven't blown their entire holiday budget on black Friday) to patronize small businesses (of course you COULD do this on black Friday, but the "event" is sponsored by American Express and they don't want to lose out on those merchant charges on BF!). I do have some interest in this as I work for a small business, but perhaps we can take a moment to think about whether we can choose an alternative gift still within our budget whose purchase may be more impactful if purchased somewhere other than a big chain. An email I received gave a lot of creative ideas for gift cards for services, dining, etc. that would support small businesses.
I do appreciate the publicity it's getting since it's an AmEx created holiday but am not thrilled that AE is incentivizing patronage by offering a credit on the AE card if you purchase from a small business (not sure what the criteria is, ie if it has to be on some list or something) when they charge a considerably higher merchant fee than other cards making the purchase less profitable for the small business..... but just something to think about...

This is new to me. I have heard of Cyber-Monday, but not small business Saturday. I like the idea of creating this day to help the small business owner(s). I would love to patronize small businesses on Saturday, even though I no longer have an AMEX card.

Here is the info from a Merchant's perspective - but it also gives details of what the cardholder has to do. I received the e-mail from A/X because my company (non-profit) accepts A/X cards. I've seen the ads running on TV as well.

Yes I have heard of it, they are even featuring a local small business each day on the news til Thanksgiving. I asked our local small fabric store today & she said they plan to be open an extra hour early on small business Saturday & possibly stay open an extra hour late too if business is good. ... I personally think it is good for our small shops....... & me personally since I am definitely not into mall shopping ... YUK! Malls are not good for people who do not do well with crowds & have to walk slowly to get around safely. ...........

------A Blessed Easter everyone...+

The Girls... Baby & Mittee girl >^,,^
It's all about The Baby , about the Baby, about The Babe ....Big Smile! (sung off key ..la la la )

Take it a step further and pay in cash so your favorite local small business doesn't need to pay merchant fee on the transaction ... and why only one day? AmEx may regret this someday if the idea takes root like a dandelion seed ...

------I don't really make mistakes ... I create "learning opportunities"! Murphy says: The better you match the thread to the fabric, the more likely you will need to rip some stitches out! I spend more quality time with my seamripper than I like ...
Yes, I DO love fabric!!
Happy owner of a band of Brothers: LX-3125, CS-770, CE5500 PRW, a PE-770 emb ... and now Kenmore 158.18032 and 148.12190
Blogging my "learning opportunites" at http://sewingmissadventure.blogspot.com/

Anyone going to a small business to do some shopping today? I am not sure if I will make it to the quilting shop or not. I plan to get over there if time today. I would like to have some fabric while it is on sale at 30% off. The store is moving before Jan and they are having a nice sale. The sale begins today and runs for 2 weeks or maybe 3 weeks. (need more fabric, need more fabric, need more fabric...)

I was limited on time, but picked up a necklace for DD, earrings for MIL, a coffee mug for BFF... And the last store offered $5 off, so I grabbed a pair of earrings for myself! It was obvious te merchants appreciated my business!

------When life gets you down... Just Keep Sewing!
www.kbdesigns74.blogspot.com

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